If you’re passionate about sport and have strong leadership skills, coaching might be your calling. Whether new to coaching or looking to formalise your experience, this course equips you to coach successfully across various sports and settings.
The Certificate of Sports Coaching is a professional development course that provides you with the knowledge and skills to develop strong, real-world coaching skills.
In this sports coaching course, you’ll learn about coaching responsibilities, career pathways, ethical standards, risk management, first aid, safety for children and vulnerable individuals, sports integrity, and legal responsibilities.
You’ll also explore effective communication, building strong relationships with athletes, motivating teams, and different coaching styles. You’ll learn about coaching challenges, tools for managing group dynamics, maintaining focus, and boosting performance while learning to manage pressure, stay motivated, and avoid burnout.
On completion of this course, you will have strong strategies to build a successful and sustainable coaching career.
Course Structure
Certificate of Sports Coaching
Unit 1: Foundations of Sports Coaching
- What is sports coaching?
- The role of the coach in modern sport
- Core coaching skills
- Key responsibilities of a coach
- Overview of coaching pathways in Australia
Unit 2: Ethics, Safety, and Professional Standards
- Coaching code of behaviour (Sport Integrity Australia guidelines)
- Ethics and conduct in coaching
- Legal responsibilities and duty of care
- Risk management in sport
- Basic first aid and injury prevention
- Working with children and vulnerable people
Unit 3: Communication and Relationships in Coaching
- Building rapport with athletes
- The coach-athlete relationship
- The 3 + 1 Cs model
- Setting clear expectations and ground rules
- How relationships evolve over time
- Communication styles and feedback
Unit 4: Coaching Methods and Learning Styles
- Stages of athlete learning
- Coaching styles: autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, holistic
- Blended and situational coaching
- Adapting to athlete needs and sport contexts
- Coaching individuals vs teams
Unit 5: Motivation and Performance
- What drives motivation in sport?
- Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation
- Using goal setting and feedback effectively
- Social facilitation and group dynamics
- Maintaining focus and enthusiasm in training
Unit 6: Coaching Individuals and Teams
- Differences between individual and team coaching
- Developing leadership in athletes
- Team building strategies
- Managing team dynamics and morale
Unit 7: Athlete Wellbeing and Identity
- Understanding athletic identity
- Mental health and athlete transitions
- Grief and injury recovery
- How coaches can support athlete wellbeing
- Working with parents and families
- Ethical coaching practices for children and youth sport
Unit 8: Growth as a Coach
- Differences between amateur and elite coaching
- Dealing with setbacks and pressure
- Staying engaged and avoiding burnout
- Ongoing professional development
- Building a long-term coaching career
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
It has been amazing, this is my second course and I really enjoy the content and what each course and topic has to offer. I really enjoy expanding my knowledge through the Australian Online Courses
D. Drube, Singapore | Certificate of Sports Coaching
Absolutely love the course, I loved being able to study and execute my assignments my own way and in a way I could hopefully reach my full potential
T. Worboys, Orange, NSW | Certificate of Sports Coaching
It was really easy to access my course and I enjoyed completing this course
A.Teisseire, Crescent Head, NSW | Certificate of Sports Coaching
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Professional development for:
- Sports coaches
- Personal trainers
- Athletes